Publications

Tags

Students air issues at forum

March 20, 2013

The Student Senate teamed up with HCC vice presidents and deans last Wednesday for an Open Student Forum in the cafeteria where students could ask questions and discuss issues that concerned them.

Rachelle Houle, 19, of Indian Orchard, who recently joined the Student Senate, said the event was a great opportunity for students to meet college administrators.

Elizabeth Golen, Student Activities coordinator, said students raised issues such as grade appeals, transfer options, how to file complaints with an instructor, academic affairs, and the student code of conduct.

Each vice president or dean sat at his or her own table as students passed through. Present were Amnat Chittaphong, dean of students; Bill Fogarty, vice president of Administration and Finance; Yanina Vargas-Arriaga, vice president of Student Affairs; Matt Reed, vice president of Academic Affairs; Marcia Morrison, dean of Arts and Humanities; and Monica Perez, dean of Social Sciences. The Student Senate also had its own table.

Cecelia Manning, 21, of Westfield, sat down with Amnat Chittaphong to talk about transfer.

"He was very helpful," she said.

Christine Kennedy, 34, of Palmer, spoke to Matt Reed about the school's attendance policy on days when it snows and school isn't cancelled.

"He gave me good advice," Kennedy said. "Now I know what I can do if it happens again."

Reed said administrators also benefited from the event.

"It was nice to hear from students and have them know that we're here," he said.